Rumors circulating about the abduction of worshippers from the Samaru area (behind NTA) in Gusau, the Zamfara state capital, during the ‘Tuhajjud’ (midnight prayers during Ramadan) have been found to be unsubstantiated.
The incident actually involved the invasion of the area by bandits in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to ‘SMARTS NEWS’, the bandits targeted the residence of a provision trader named Ashiru Nagoma. They demanded money from him, which he handed over.
Tragically, they also abducted his nursing wife, and when Ashiru attempted to follow them to rescue his wife, he was fatally shot by the bandits and succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the hospital as gathered by SMARTS NEWS Fact check Desk.
SMARTS NEWS can authoritatively report that another resident, a neighbor to Ashiru, was also targeted, and while the bandits attempted to abduct his pregnant wife, he negotiated for them to take him instead, sparing his wife.
Contrary to rumors, the bandits did check a nearby mosque during the ‘Tuhajjud’ period, possibly seeking additional targets, but fortunately, the mosque was empty at that time.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yazid Abubakar who spoke to SMARTS NEWS on phone, confirmed the incident, clarifying that it was a robbery and abduction targeting specific individuals rather than an attack on worshippers.
“The police have initiated a search and rescue operation to locate and free the abducted persons, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in providing information to combat criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.” PPRO Yazid added
In conclusion, while a tragic incident did occur involving banditry and abduction, there is no evidence to support the claim that worshippers were specifically targeted or abducted during ‘Tuhajjud’ prayers in Zamfara.
